Astro City #4 review

As ever, Astro City is delightful. One real success of this series is the manner in which it feels as if any denizen of the City could support an issue. It’s a city filled with the fully formed. This issue entertains by focusing on those who opt out of the Hero/Villain dichotomy and just try to live their lives. Keeping in mind there are plenty of costumed nutballs hanging around the place already.

As suggested, our protagonist this issue (the grey-haired, telekinetic Martha Sullivan) is a compelling character with a refreshing point of view in a world filled with superheroics. Her line of work, and group of like minded friends, allow Busiek to indulge in some imaginative uses of superpowers. They're essentially trade skills. To contrast these people using what they have in an honest days work, we have an entertainingly over-the-top, myopic, largely oblivious villain in the Majordomo. In mostly being played for laughs the story may lack somewhat for tension or a sense of danger, but the light tone is welcome nonetheless. No doubt there's tension and danger in abundance around the corner.

Speaking of the Majordomo, Anderson’s design work really shines in this issue. The aforementioned villain’s costume is appropriately ludicrous, with a Bison-like cape and a dashing sci-fi monocle. Despite the ridiculousness he wouldn’t look too far out of place next to some of the more excessive mainstream characters. Martha’s flashback forays are similarly revealing in terms of artwork. Excellent design and storytelling elements such as this make up for the occasionally slack figure and facial work.